Picking out the perfect pair of wedding shoes can feel like a fairytale moment for many brides! But it's super important to find shoes that are both stylish AND comfortable. Don't worry though, we've got expert tips to help you do just that…
Define your bridal style
Having a firm grasp of your overall bridal style is crucial to ensure consistency. Consider matching your shoe style to the same era as your dress if you're going for a more vintage or retro look. Pay attention to any detailing or embellishments in your gown that could be echoed in your bridal footwear, as well as specific materials that could be matched.
Find your dress first
Although you may have already found the wedding shoes of your dreams, hold off from purchasing them if you haven't found the wedding dress to match. Your bridal footwear needs to complement your dress in every aspect, from style to colour and every last detail and embellishment. The length of your dress also matters. If you're going with a shorter dress, your shoes can be a major statement accessory, adding colour, glitz, glam, whimsy, romance—or simply a dose of modern elegance—to your ensemble.
Don’t leave shoe shopping to the last minute
It's important to begin shopping for them and narrowing down a few preferred styles around the same time. This is not only because you need to coordinate your shoes with your dress, but also because you'll need to purchase them in advance of your dress fittings and alterations. Your dressmaker or tailor requires the exact height of your wedding shoes [before beginning alterations], this way, they can modify the length of your dress according to your wedding shoe height for a perfectly polished look.
Don't commit without trying them on
While retail websites are a great way to explore styles, experts warn against purchasing your actual pair of wedding shoes online. It is crucial to try out the shoes first and feel how comfortable they are to stand and walk around in before you make a purchase. If possible, try them on at home for at least an hour while standing on a clean, carpeted surface.
Don't be afraid of colour
The colour of shoes you'll ultimately wear will depend on what kind of bride you are. Classic and traditional brides will likely be drawn to clean white, champagne, ivory, and nude tones, but if a little footwear flair intrigues you, don't be afraid to go outside the box in the colour department. Consider metallics to add some glitter and shine to catch the eye. "Something blue” bridal shoes range in shades from pale blue to deep royal hues.
If you can’t see your shoes
If nobody can see your feet, chances are they won't care if your shoes perfectly match the colour of the lace on your dress or not. This means you have the ability to opt for a shoe that may be more practical and comfortable, rather than having to wear something that perfectly matches but is uncomfortable to wear for a long period of time. In saying this, a safe choice is to at least pick a shoe that won't appear too out of place if you flash your feet at some point. Colours like nude, tan, ivory, white, or even pastel shades of pink, lavender, and baby blue are safe choices. However, if you aren't a big fan of dancing all night and the likelihood of anyone seeing your feet is pretty low, you can always opt for a pair of comfy heels, espadrilles, or flats in any colour you desire.
The heels vs. flats debate
Heels or flats? This is completely up to you and comes down to a number of factors. Firstly, are you comfortable wearing heels? Are you having a very formal and traditional wedding, or are you getting married on the beach? Are you trying to appear taller, or are you looking to not add any extra height? Ultimately both styles of shoes can work, and while a pair of strappy heels like amazing with a sexy, mermaid-shaped dress, a pair of bejewelled sandals can look just as good when paired with a sheath, Grecian-inspired or empire-waist style gown.
If you want to elongate your legs
If you have shorter legs, avoid shoes with ankle straps, especially chunky ones, as they can make your legs look even shorter. Instead, opt for a high heel of 5-7cm, which will give you a little extra height. However, be careful not to choose towering heels that you're not used to wearing, as they may cause sore feet and ruin your special day. If you're tall and don't want to increase your height, embellished flats are a great option. But if you prefer a little bit of heel, go for a kitten heel, which will give you a subtle lift without adding too much extra height.
Consider your venue
The venue where you're getting married can also influence your shoe choice. If you're having an outdoor ceremony on a grass lawn or the beach, consider wearing lower heels or flats to avoid sinking into the ground or getting stuck in the sand.
Prioritise comfort
On your wedding day, you'll likely be on your feet much longer than usual, so prioritize comfort over style. High heels may look glamorous, but they can also be uncomfortable and put a lot of pressure on the ball of your foot. A low-to-mid-height heel or chunkier heel will keep you standing and dancing comfortably for longer. Also, consider the width of the shoe, particularly if you have narrow or wide feet. Shoes with laces or buckles offer adjustability in width, which allows a perfect fit for anyone.
The bridesmaid factor:
If you've chosen shoes for your bridesmaids instead of having them wear something they already own, make sure to consider how comfortable the shoes you've selected are. Talk to your bridesmaids and ask if they're comfortable with the shoes you've chosen. A simple solution is to have your bridesmaids bring a pair of their own comfortable heels or formal flats, so they can change shoes after the formalities and photos are finished.
Once-you-have-your-shoe tips and tricks:
Break them in before your big day: Wear your shoes a few times before your wedding day to avoid painful blisters.
Bring a spare pair on the day: Keep a backup pair of shoes under the bridal table, just in case.
Pack a big-day footwear survival kit: Include band-aids and gel inserts to help prevent blisters while dancing the night away.
Add shoe grips: If your shoes are slippery, purchase some shoe grips or try scraping the soles on concrete to add traction.
Your Cinderella moment is now ready to rock, enjoy your big day.